Brown, Kenneth William

Operation Chastise (Dambusters Raid)

Date of birth:: August 20th, 1920 (Moose Jaw/Saskatchewan, Canada)
Date of death:: December 23rd, 2002
Service number:: R/94567
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

On August 20, 1920, Kenneth William Brown was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. In 1941, he joined the RCAF and was chosen to train as a pilot. He was assigned to a bomber training unit in Kinloss after arriving in England, despite being recommended for piloting fighters. His first active posting was to Coastal Command, flying Whitleys out of RAF St Eval on Channel patrols.

After being chosen to train as a heavy bomber at 1654 Conversion Unit, Brown was assigned to 44 Squadron to start operations on February 5, 1943.

In the run-up to the Dams bombing, Brown and others were moved to the mobile reserve and then to 617 Squadron.

Brown was scheduled to take off third on the day of the mission. His aircraft was the second one to attack Sorpe Dam. The mine did not breach the dam, but it did drop successfully.

At 0533, Brown returned to Scampton. His plane was severely damaged.

After receiving his commission in June 1943, Brown flew on nine more missions with 617 Squadron before being sent out in May 1944. He worked as an instructor for the remainder of the war. He continued in the RCAF after the war and became a Squadron Leader. Despite his 1968 retirement, he continued to fly for the Canadian Department of Transport.

He remained there for 12 years until he retired to British Columbia.

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Conspicuous Gallantry Medal (CMG - Flying)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Sergeant
Unit:: No. 617 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 28th, 1943
Awarded for:: Operation Chastise

"On the night of 16th May, 1943, a force of Lancaster bombers was detailed to attack the Moehne, Eder and Sorpe dams in Germany. The operation was one of great difficulty and hazard, demanding a high degree of skill and courage and close co-operation between the crews of the aircraft engaged. Nevertheless, a telling blow was struck at the enemy by the successful breaching of the Mohne and Eder dams. This outstanding success reflects the greatest credit on the efforts of the following personnel who participated in the operation in various capacities as members of aircraft crew."